Persecution, Preaching and the Spread of the Church
Acts 8:1-8
The gospel comes to Judea and Samaria (Acts 1:8)
Persecution
Christianity is publically rejected in Jerusalem, it is heresy.
Saul spearheads the persecution.
Paul’s account of his persecution (Acts 22:4; 26:10)
How is Paul (Saul) introduced in Acts?
Paul is a living picture of the grace that he preaches to others. (1 Cor 15:10)
Who were the devout men that mourned for Stephen?
Preaching
What was the fruit of the persecution?
Who carried the gospel to Judea and Samaria?
Example of China; Example of Korea,
J.A. Alexander "that joyful and spontaneous diffusion of the truth."
Preaching of Philip
He is called the evangelist (Acts 21:8, "Philip the evangelist")
He preached Christ, as messiah, savior, Lord, king.
Signs and wonders, attending the word, attesting to its truth.
He was preaching the gospel in Samaria?
History of Samaritans and Jews10 cent BC Political divide (See 165bc)
722 BC Racial divide
5 cent BC Religious divide (See 127bc)
Jews have no dealing with Samaritans. (John 4)
The gospel is true for SamaritansGospel brings great rejoicing. (Acts 8:8)